Terms and Conditions for Private Hire

Following enquiries for the hire of a Tisbus vehicle the hirer will receive an estimate of costs based upon the likely driver time involved. The subsequent invoice for the services provided may vary from the estimate if the journeys take longer or the task changes.

All hirers who receive an estimate will be asked to confirm their acceptance of the estimate through the payment of a deposit to be specified in the estimate at least 7 days before the date of hire.

The following points apply:

Contact. The Hirer undertakes to be, or to nominate, the single point of contact for Tisbus offices or the driver on the day of the hire.

Deposit. Payment of the deposit constitutes the Hirer’s acceptance of these Terms and Conditions of hire and that a hiring arrangement then exists with Tisbus. Non-payment of the deposit means that no hiring arrangement exists.

Cancellation by Hirer. It is accepted that plans of hirers can change. Tisbus accepts such changes subject to the following conditions:

Cancellation notice greater than 24 hours = full deposit refund.

Cancellation less than 24 hours = deposit not refundable.

Cancellation once driver has arrived = full estimate charges apply.

Cancellation by Tisbus. Tisbus is primarily staffed by volunteer drivers. In the event that Tisbus cannot fulfil a request for hire Tisbus undertakes to notify the hirer at the earliest opportunity and to refund the deposit in full.

Minimum Charge. A minimum charge of £50 will apply to all private hire arrangements even if the drivers time charges fall below this figure. A higher minimum charge, to be specified in the estimate, will apply for late night tasks.

Payment. All invoices will be sent directly to the Hirer for payment. In circumstances where the passengers will contribute to the cost of the hire it is the Hirer’s responsibility to collect such monies from the passengers.

Trip Destinations. Tisbus drivers are familiar with most hotel and B&B accommodation addresses in the Tisbury area. However, many guests now book their accommodation via the internet in small ‘Air B&Bs’ unfamiliar to drivers. It will be the hirer’s responsibility to ensure that their guests know the whereabouts and postcode of their accommodation and can, if necessary, guide the drivers.

Driver’s Authority. Tisbus drivers are responsible for the safety of all passengers. All Tisbus drivers are authorised by the Tisbus Board of Directors to refuse to carry any passengers who they believe to be over-intoxicated and who may prove to be a risk to themselves, other passengers or the vehicle. Drivers are also authorised to communicate a final cut-off time (See para 3a above) to the nominated point of contact.

Bus Fouling. Any fouling of the bus by a passenger will result in a mandatory £100 surcharge to the hirer which reflect the costs of professional cleaning, the time the bus is removed from service and the driver’s additional work.

Child Seats & Seatbelts – Parental Responsibilities. Government guidelines state that minibus or coach drivers and companies do not have to provide child car seats. Therefore:

Parents must provide their own child seat if they want to make sure a child has one.

All children must travel in rear seats (any seats behind the driver).

All children should use an adult seat belt when child car seats are not fitted or are unsuitable.